way in Japan and Australia. Other than in Japan, there is little known 
activity in Asian, African, or Latin American countries. 
C . International Scientific Organizations 
International scientific organizations involved in recombinant DNA 
activities include ICSU and WHO. The activities of WHO are described under 
health and safety efforts (section IV). A description of the activities 
of ICSU and its Committee on Genetic Experimentation (COGENE) was presented 
to the Interagency Subcommittee by Dr. William J. Whelan, Chairman of COGENE 
and Professor and Chairman of Biochemistry at the University of Miami School 
of Medicine. (Additional information about COGENE is given in Appendix V.) 
COGENE was established in October 1976 and has created three task forces to 
study and analyze various aspects of recombinant DNA research. These groups 
and their current tasks are as follows: 
• A Working Group on Recombinant DNA Guidelines, chaired by Dr . S. 
Cohen of the United States, is reviewing extant guidelines to deter- 
mine important similarities and differences. 
• A Working Group on Training and Education, chaired by Professor K. 
Murray of the United Kingdom, is seeking in its efforts the assis- 
tance of the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) and the 
United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization 
(UNESCO) . 
• A Working Groups on Risk Assessment, chaired by Dr. A. Skalka of the 
United States, is drafting a questionnaire surveying all relevant 
activities internationally. 
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